BRANSON, MO - AUGUST 26: Phil Mickelson of the United States poses with the tournament trophy after the final round of the Charles Schwab Series at Ozarks National on August 26, 2020 in Branson, Missouri. Mickelson won the tournament finishing with a score of 22 under par. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Phil Mickelson

Mickelson wins on Senior debut

Phil Mickelson made a triumphant start to his senior career with victory at the PGA Tour Champions’ Charles Schwab Series at Ozarks National in Missouri.

Mickelson, who turned 50 in June, carded a 66 in the final round for a 22-under total that left him four shots clear of fellow American Tim Petrovic.

“I really enjoyed playing here, I enjoyed seeing all the guys again and I enjoyed the way they were so accommodating and fun,” said Mickelson, whose 54-hole total was a joint record low for the tournament.

Mickelson decided to tee it up in Missouri after failing to advance beyond the opening event of the PGA Tour’s season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs last week, although he still has plenty of unfinished business on the main tour this year as he plans to play a warm-up tournament before competing in the US Open at Winged Foot next month.

In the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot, Mickelson held a one-shot lead playing the final hole, but carded a double-bogey and lost by one shot to Geoff Ogilvy.

“Obviously, I have a lot of work to do and some redemption at Winged Foot, but it’s a great golf course and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said the six-time US Open runner-up.